Mātes diena in Latvia
Mother’s Day is a holiday in Latvia. Mother’s Day is called Mātes diena in Latvia
When is Mother’s Day in Latvia
Mother’s Day is celebrated on 14, May, 2023 in Latvia.
About Mātes diena in Latvia
Mātes diena, also known as Mother’s Day, is a holiday celebrated in Latvia to honor and appreciate mothers and motherhood. It is observed on the second Sunday of May, similar to many other countries around the world.
Mātes diena is a relatively new holiday in Latvia, having been officially recognized in 1998. However, the concept of honoring mothers has always been present in Latvian culture, as motherhood is highly valued and respected.
On this day, Latvians express their love and gratitude towards their mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures by giving them gifts, flowers, and spending quality time with them. Many people also write heartfelt messages or cards to express their appreciation.
It is common for families to gather for a special meal or organize outings to celebrate Mātes diena. Restaurants and cafes often offer special menus or promotions for families to enjoy. In schools, children often participate in various activities and performances to honor their mothers.
In addition to the traditional celebrations, there are also various events and festivals organized across the country to commemorate Mātes diena. These events often include concerts, exhibitions, and workshops dedicated to mothers and motherhood.
Overall, Mātes diena in Latvia is a day to recognize and celebrate the important role that mothers play in society. It is a time for families to come together and show their appreciation for the love, care, and sacrifices that mothers make every day.
History of Mātes diena in Latvia
Mātes diena, also known as Mother’s Day, is a holiday celebrated in Latvia to honor and appreciate mothers and motherhood. The history of this holiday in Latvia can be traced back to the early 20th century.
The origins of Mother’s Day can be found in the United States, where it was first celebrated in 1908. The idea behind the holiday was to recognize and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices made by mothers in raising their children and nurturing their families.
The concept of Mother’s Day quickly gained popularity and spread to various countries around the world, including Latvia. In Latvia, the holiday was initially celebrated on the second Sunday of May, following the American tradition. However, in 1922, the Latvian Women’s Union decided to establish a separate holiday for mothers in order to emphasize the importance of motherhood and family values.
On February 18, 1922, the Latvian Women’s Union officially declared the last Sunday in April as Mātes diena. This date was chosen to coincide with the celebration of the Latvian goddess Māra, who was considered the protector of women and children. Māra symbolized fertility, motherhood, and the well-being of the family.
Mātes diena was initially celebrated with various events and activities organized by women’s organizations and schools. These included concerts, exhibitions, and gatherings where mothers were honored and appreciated for their role in society. The holiday aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mothers and their contribution to the well-being of the family and the nation.
During the Soviet era, Mātes diena was suppressed and replaced by International Women’s Day, which was celebrated on March 8th. However, after Latvia regained its independence in 1991, Mātes diena was reinstated as an official holiday and has been celebrated ever since.
In modern-day Latvia, Mātes diena is a widely celebrated holiday. It is a time when families come together to honor and appreciate their mothers. Children often give their mothers flowers, gifts, or handmade cards as a token of their love and gratitude. Many families also gather for special meals or outings to spend quality time together.
Mātes diena holds great significance in Latvian culture as it recognizes the important role of mothers and the value of family. It is a day to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the selfless dedication and care that mothers provide throughout their lives.
How is Mother’s Day celebrated in Latvia
Mātes diena, or Mother’s Day, is celebrated in Latvia on the second Sunday of May. It is a day dedicated to honoring and appreciating mothers and mother figures. Here is how it is typically celebrated in Latvia:
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Gifting: People often give flowers, cards, or small presents to their mothers to express their love and gratitude. It is common to see flower markets bustling with people buying bouquets for their mothers.
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Family Time: Families usually spend the day together, organizing special activities or outings. It could be a picnic in a park, a family meal at home, or going out for a walk together. The focus is on spending quality time with mothers and making them feel special.
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Special Events: Many schools and kindergartens organize special events and performances dedicated to mothers. Children often prepare songs, poems, or dances to showcase their love and appreciation for their mothers.
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Traditional Food: Some families prepare traditional Latvian dishes to celebrate the occasion. It could be homemade pīrāgi (Latvian bacon rolls), sklandrauši (potato pastry with carrot filling), or other traditional treats.
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Public Celebrations: Various public events and concerts are organized to celebrate Mother’s Day. These events may include live music performances, art exhibitions, or cultural programs dedicated to mothers.
Overall, Mātes diena in Latvia is a day to honor and cherish mothers, showing them love and appreciation for their selfless dedication and care.
Dates
Mother’s Day will be celebrated in Latvia on 2023-05-14, 2024-05-12, 2025-05-11, 2026-05-10, 2027-05-09 in the comming years.
